Helping our brothers and sisters who are suffering around the globe

Q: I am confused about what is going on in Egypt and Syria, and in pretty much all of the middle east, especially now that their is some sort of “democratic” intervention trying to play into the politics of these Muslim dominate societies. What is your personal opinion, and what should a Muslim do to help our brothers an sisters around the world? How can we better our brothers and sisters in their struggles? We pray for them. But if you could help give me an idea, and some sort of direction on what I should know about the Egyptian and Syrian situation, and how I can help my brothers and sisters in general. Insha Allah I will do so.

A: Islam is second to none in advocating compassion and kindness. Hence we should show kindness and compassion to those in difficulty according to our ability wherever we can. However just as helping the creation is a meritorious and great action, the thing that is more important for bringing about ease and good conditions in the ummah is improving our relationship with Allah Ta’ala and reforming our actions. It is recorded in the Hadith أعمالكم عمالكم – Your actions are your leaders. From this Hadith we understand that if we improve our Aa’maal and bring our lives according to the Sunnah, then Allah Ta’ala will change the conditions in the world.